Thursday, 11 November 2010

Fire Season by V H Folland

The jacket on this really stands out, and gives an accurate visual perception of what is to come. A gently captivating read in the beginning whilst being introduced to the characters, their flaws, quirks and their sense of humour. The characters are very vivid and engaging, this is a completely absorbing read. A fascinating story which easily captured my imagination and had me torn between horror and compassion for the characters and storyline. Very descriptive and well researched aviation material.

Once the plot snowballed, it's thought provoking, and shows how common sense doesn't always prevail when fight or flight kicks in, V H Folland touches deeply with riveting clarity on the urgent desperation and turmoil of emotions that are so believable in this story, making it very realistic, so much so that I'm left with a sense of this being so close to the reality, that it could easily have been a non fiction title, biography or film.

All in all, a very thought provoking read which is now imprinted on my mind. This book has taken me out of my comfort zone and into a well researched and detailed story of how a community comes together to fight nature against the odds. Thought provoking, emotional and compassionate, this is a book I could read again. A recommended read.

Synopsis from Amazon:"For Matt and his flying club, there weren't any options left. Trapped residents, threatened towns and one small airstrip safely upwind of the fire line. It's not a promising position, but they volunteer to help anyway, hoping a protected position and a close base might make a difference to the fire fighters. And then the wind changes."